Environmental Health and Safety
December 12, 2014
Proper Battery Recycling
and Disposal
Why Recycle Batteries?
Many items that we use every day function on batteries.
Cellphones, laptops, flashlights, remotes, and other devices
run on batteries. While today’s alkaline batteries are less toxic
than they used to be, all batteries contain substances that can be harmful to the environment. This can
include zinc, lead, mercury, nickel, cadmium, and silver.
When batteries end up in landfills they can contaminate soil and water supplies. If batteries are burned they cause air pollution. Broken and leaking
batteries can cause external burns and skin irritation.
Tips and Recycling Options:

Recycle household batteries, by putting them in a clear,
re-sealable plastic bag and place them on the lid of your recycling
cart on your regular pick up day. This is available in Clark County
and the City of Vancouver.

Find local locations to recycle different types of batteries by using
the Clark County Recycling Directory or for Portland residents,
use Metro’s Find a Recycler database.

Environmental Health and Safety recycles rechargeable batteries
and cell phones through Call2Recycle.

Use rechargeable batteries if possible.

Properly store batteries until they can be disposed of.
Created by Kara Meredith
Sustainable is Attainable:
Promote Green Education and Practices